Panel to Weigh Plans for Athletic Fields

A committee that will include City Council members will meet next month to discuss plans for the proposed community center.

City officials had asked the council to eliminate any inappropriate athletic field options for the 18-acre site, which will be built at Alicia Parkway and Paseo de Valencia.

Council members last week discussed tossing out several amenities like barbecue pits, an outdoor amphitheater, picnic shelter and a horseshoe pit before deciding to let a committee review the bulk of options for the athletic fields.

The committee also will include representatives from most segments of the community.

The council was firm last week in making sure that the city’s young soccer players will have room to play.

The main problem for organized soccer players in Laguna Hills is a lack of practice facilities, said Greg Lerum, a youth soccer coach.

“We have a terrible need for practice fields,” he said. “It’s not unusual to go to a field of your choice and find six to eight teams there.”

The council supported building at least two full-size soccer fields.

Other possible choices for the site include baseball diamonds and a football field.